The Dylan Thomas Centre is an arts centre located in the Maritime Quarter in Swansea, Wales. Formerly the city's Guildhall, which was originally built in 1825, the Dylan Thomas Centre was restored and refurbished to host the UK Year of Literature and Writing in 1995. It was opened in 1995 by American ex-President Jimmy Carter and last Leader of the Swansea City Council Trevor Burtonshaw, and has a permanent exhibition on the life and work of Dylan Thomas, a bookshop and a cafe. The Centre houses the permanent ‘Love the Words’ exhibition, based on the largest collection of memorabilia of its kind in the world. It is designed to appeal to the Dylan expert and interested visitor alike, and includes a trail for children. This interactive exhibition explores Dylan’s life and work through a variety of media and includes letters, books, worksheets and photographs. The Dylan Thomas Centre is home to a year-round programme of literary events, including book launches, plays, poetry evenings, changing exhibitions and science talks. It hosts the annual Dylan Thomas Festival held between Dylan’s birth and death dates, 27 October to 9 November. Regular events are organised for families and children. The Dylan Thomas Centre’s staff also provide a variety of talks and tours, such as talks on aspects of Dylan’s life and works, on contemporary literature, on writing poetry and on cultural tourism. In 2012 a large part of the Centre was leased by Swansea's council to the University of Wales with the purpose of using it as a business centre for creative industries. In 2014, 'Love the Words', a new, permanent Dylan Thomas Exhibition opened at the Centre as a result of funding from Heritage Lottery Fund and Swansea Council. It was launched on 27 October 2014, Dylan Thomas' 100th birthday, and was one of the major events of the centenary celebrations. The exhibition is open 7 days a week, and entry is free. The funding has also allowed the Dylan Thomas Centre to generate a new programme of learning and participatory activities, including many aimed at children and families. The centre also houses 1825 Conferences and Events, which utilises the centre's grand Vivian Hall for a variety of functions.
